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Pros & Cons On Buying

jimbeam1

jimbeam1

New member
Hello,
I am looking for some advise, I am thinking of buying a 996/997. What I would like to know is can anyone tell me what are the pros and cons of buying one of these models. At the moment I have a BoxterS which I love, now feel the need to fulfill my 911 dream.
Any advise would be very appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Keith

(Typo in the title edited by admin)
 
There is a lot of technical articles on the forums - much of it is negative on the 996, but that has started to change over the past few years. If you have a 986, then you may find the 996.1 not too dissimilar in the cabin of yours - whether you see that as a con. Porsche service history or well documented history is key - mileage wise nothing to worry about with the former.

The 996 is pretty light and small compared to modern counterparts - that is a plus for me. I believe the C2 is lighter than 996 GT3. Early 996.1 C2 had throttle cable, then C4 paved way for e-gas - some say early cars were direct link to 993 DNA - that is really for the tyre kickers. 996.2 increased BHP/torque, tyre sizes etc. C4S are wider rear and attract high prices as with special editions.

If I was going for a 997, I would go for Gen2 as these ironed out issues in earlier models. However, I have no intention of giving up my C4 just yet.

 
Hi Jim,

I've been on that journey recently and I did what drives and reading I could, before I drove myself mad, and here is what I found, and are my opinions:

996 - scare stories around IMS bearings. It does affect the cars (realistically only a very small percentage, but the Internet makes it sound like every other car), but if you buy a car that has the IMS bearing done/has a thorough inspection, there should be no reason to worry.

I wanted a 4S and think they Ss are the best looking 996s and I feel the 996.2 are slightly nicer looking cars than .1s on the whole. You will get people talking about the lights and shared Boxster parts, but it's not all about looks, it's about how it drives for you.

Prices of 996 should be more affordable (I dont know your budget) than 997s, but, think about if there is a fault/issue what you may have to pay out, you might not want to spend the whole budget on the car. The interior may look dated compared to a 997, but, the car at its youngest is 14 years old. Look at any vehicle at that age and tell me it's modern.

997 - Avoid Gen 1 'S' models, was advice I took away from two independents, the issues they found with Gen 1 'S' models was as bad for bore score and issues as the 996 IMS issue.

997 'look' more modern to a 996, but, as above, it's about the drive. I found the 997 steering wheel too thin and too easy to drive. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't want to fight with a car to drive it, but I also want to feel involved. The 997 for me, wasn't as involving as the 996.

In every case, if you care about looks, and a 'newer' car, go 997. If you want a purer 911 drive, go 996 2S (depending on your ability, I felt more comfortable with 4WD). The 997 Gen Ss will set you back more, and for that money, there are some great 996 Turbos available out there. But, go with what is the better drive and feel for you and, for peace of mind, buy from a Indy/dealer, with a warranty.

Hope that helps.

Mark

 
Hi Mark, Thanks for your message. What should be a pleasant experience in choosing a car of your dreams it would seem can soon turn into a nightmare. It seems that there are two ways to go, 996 more likely to give bearing problem but easier and cheaper to repair, 997 more reliable but much more expensive to fix when/if the bearings go. I spoke to an independent today, his advise was to go for a 4s gen 2. he did say he could come to any test run with me and scope it if dealer allowed?

I have just started looking so have some time and a lot of learning/understanding to do, I'm sure I will enjoy it more when I have better knowledge? I have around a 25k budget, that is what I have set it at and don't really want to go above that.

Cheers jb1

 
Yeah, picking isnt easy on lower budgets, especially as prices for good ones rise. I didnt get much change from Ā£30k for my 4S, but:

1 year warranty

Porsche Specialist

IMS bearing done

Clutch changed

Brakes done

Tyres done

Ceramic paint protection

For me, paying a little more for peace of mind was a must, rather than a private sale. There's plenty 996.2s around for you out there, just wait for the right one, dont rush it. Know what you are looking for beforehand if possible

 
Hi all,

Update, after a lot of research on the internet and chats with an independent, I have decided for me the way to go is 996 4S. Found what we think is a good one, 2004 Ā£25500, reserved deposit paid, going with independent on Monday, he's going to give it a thorough inspection including bore scope and diagnostics, then we'll take it from there. I'll post the outcome.

Thanks for your advise.

jb1

 
Hi Mark, Afraid not, the guy that came to look at it with me, found some issues which the people I'm buying it from agreed to get fixed. One was some break pipes needed replacing which had to be ordered from Porsche Nottingham who appear to be not to realiable, two out of three pipes came today the third should be in tomorrow, the other work is done so all being well will pick it up on Friday. Will update later. I've been like a child on Christmas Eve for over a week nowšŸ˜³

jb1

 
Hi Mark,

Not picking car up until Monday now, can be ready tomorrow but at a push, so decided to leave it until Monday

No not going to BBQ, I will need to attend some functions this year though.

jb1

 
Okay, so, I'm torn on the issue if doing this, as I wanted to keep the car as stock as possible, so I haven't done it. Also, I think Richard Hamiltons (and other online guides) FAQs and tech guides talk about the optical fibre and not necessarily straight forward fits of units into the car, so I have left it. As it isnt my daily drive, Im happy with my 6 CD changer providing enough tunes and happy with my engine note to not have it up too loud either, so, unfortunately, cant help you here I'm afraid. Im also happy I cant answer the phone via BT either, she who calls will have to wait :)

 
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